Block diagram approach

Block Diagram

Today’s formal telecommunications coursework and texts use the ‘Block Diagram’ as the standard notation to describe techniques of modulation and demodulation. The individual blocks that make up such diagrams usually represent basic electronic circuit functions such as oscillators, filters, adders, multipliers, etc.

In TIMS, these individual blocks are implemented as plug-in and fixed modules. All plug-in modules are hot-swappable and inputs/outputs are protected.

Modules are patched together according to a block diagram, modelling mathematical equations through to complete communications systems. The performance of the TIMS model will closely match ‘textbook’ theory.

Block diagram approach

Watch a 2.00 minute long animation on the Unique Block Diagram Approach and the TIMS concept in implementing Telecoms experiments.

TIMS University Level Training

Each TIMS module can be used in any number of experiments. There are no scale markings on TIMS module control knobs. Without scale markings, students are prevented from using a ‘cook book’ approach to setting up experiments (i.e. pre-setting of variables). Students must measure the variables to check against theoretical calculations.

EXPERIMENT EXAMPLE 1 - AM

This example details the implementation of AM modulation from the equation to block diagram (click to view brief animation) and to its implementation with TIMS modules. Similarly, any form of modulation or coding can be implemented using TIMS's true hardware modeling approach shown below.

Take a mathematical equation:

Represent it as a block diagram:

Implement it using TIMS Modules:

EXAMPLE 2 – QPSK

This example details the implementation of QPSK modulation from the equation to block diagram and to its implementation with TIMS modules. Similarly, any form of modulation or coding can be implemented using TIMS's true hardware modeling approach shown below.